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For the first time, the Dalai Lama presents his vision and the most important teachings of Buddhism to the general public. Perhaps the key difference between Buddhism and the rest of the world's religions resides in our understanding of the core of our identities. The existence of a soul or an "I", which is an essential aspect of Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, is refused in Buddhism. Furthermore, Buddhism considers the belief of an "I" the key source to our problems in life. A thorough understanding of these beliefs does not carry any nihilistic or cynical views of the world around us. By contrast, an authentic understanding of our mind and identity leads us to true happiness and a greater compassion for others. While the Dalai Lama presents us with a complete comprehensive guide of his teachings about the fundamental aspects, he also demonstrates how to actively integrate this knowledge in everyday life.
About the author
The
Dalai Lama is internationally recognized as an advocate of world peace and interreligious understanding. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and is the author of several books, including
The Art of Happiness and
How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life.
Nicholas Vreeland is a Buddhist monk, the director of New York City's Tibet Center, a photographer, and an editor. He was appointed by the Dalai Lama as the Abbot of Rato Monastery in India. He is the editor of
An Open Heart. He divides his time between New York City and Mundgod, India.
Richard Gere is an internationally renowned actor, social activist, and philanthropist. He founded the Gere Foundation, a private grant-giving organization focused on advocacy and cultural preservation in the Tibetan community. He is also the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet.
